In Catania, in the Cibali district in via Stazzone, “Another space” was born: a night center designed to offer support, welcome and dignity to homeless people. The initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Catania, is financed by the “Metro Plus” program and represents a concrete step towards a more inclusive city. The big news? The structure also welcomes those who live with pets, often excluded from traditional dormitories.
Inside the centre, guests find much more than a bed: balanced meals, shower and laundry services, health and veterinary assistance, as well as the distribution of clothing and first reception kits. A qualified team made up of educators, custodians and operators guarantees constant and personalized support, because every path of rebirth needs time and attention.
Beyond the logic of the dormitory
Mayor Enrico Trantino expressed his desire to go beyond the logic of the dormitory, underlining the objective of building a city system of reception and inclusion based on the person and not just on immediate need. The project, in fact, aims to create individual paths to autonomy, restoring trust and encouraging the reconstruction of community ties.
In addition to the night-time structure, a daytime center will also open in a month in the Angelo Custode–San Cristoforo area, connected by free shuttles. Socialization, training and social reintegration activities will take place here, in collaboration with the third sector and voluntary associations.
A model of concrete inclusion
Councilor Bruno Brucchieri defined the project as a step forward in the way of understanding hospitality: not just a refuge, but a place where dignity, humanity and professionalism meet. The center represents a model of real inclusion, capable of transforming solidarity into social cohesion.
Furthermore, the Municipality of Catania continues along the same lines with a new 497 thousand euro tender to select a third sector partner with which to develop integrated interventions against poverty. A commitment that confirms the desire to transform hospitality into a path of rebirth, not only material but also human, for those who face life on the margins every day.
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